More than two years after a Portsmouth-area woman died from an overdose, a Scioto County Grand Jury has indicted three members of the same family, alleging they moved her body, lied to investigators, and attempted to conceal what happened.
The indictments stem from the March 2024 death of Tiffany Shy, a West Portsmouth woman whose body was discovered behind a High Street home.
⚖️ THREE FAMILY MEMBERS INDICTED
During its latest session, the Scioto County Grand Jury indicted:
Patricia Collins, 70, of Portsmouth
- Corrupting Another with Drugs
- Tampering with Evidence
- Permitting Drug Abuse
- Gross Abuse of a Corpse
- Obstructing Official Business
Adam Collins, 46, of Portsmouth
- Corrupting Another with Drugs
- Tampering with Evidence
- Permitting Drug Abuse
- Gross Abuse of a Corpse
- Obstructing Official Business
Joseph Collins, of Portsmouth
- Corrupting Another with Drugs
- Tampering with Evidence
- Permitting Drug Abuse
- Gross Abuse of a Corpse
- Obstructing Official Business
🚑 WHAT HAPPENED IN 2024?
On March 26, 2024, emergency crews were called to a High Street residence after the homeowner reported finding a deceased woman behind the house while taking out the trash.
The victim was identified as Tiffany Shy.
At the time, authorities were told that Shy and her boyfriend were homeless and did not live at the residence.
Investigators also learned that Shy’s boyfriend had been at the scene but left before first responders arrived.
The Scioto County Coroner later ruled Shy’s death an accidental overdose.
🔍 CASE TAKES A DRAMATIC TURN
For more than a year, the case appeared closed.
Then investigators received new information suggesting the story originally provided to authorities was not accurate.
According to court documents, a witness came forward claiming they saw a body being carried out of the house before police were called.
Detectives reopened the investigation and re-interviewed family members.
🏠 BODY ALLEGEDLY MOVED FROM BASEMENT
According to the indictment and investigative findings, Shy allegedly overdosed inside the basement of the home.
Rather than immediately calling 911, investigators allege family members moved her body from inside the residence and placed it outside in the backyard.
Only afterward was emergency assistance requested.
Those allegations form the basis for the gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and obstruction-related charges.
⚠️ WHAT IS GROSS ABUSE OF A CORPSE?
Ohio law makes it a crime to treat a human body in a manner that would “outrage reasonable community sensibilities.”
The grand jury specifically alleges the defendants unlawfully handled Shy’s body after her death.
Prosecutors are not alleging that Shy’s death was a homicide.
Instead, the charges focus on what investigators believe happened afterward.
💔 SOCIAL MEDIA TRIBUTES NOW PART OF THE STORY
The indictment adds a tragic twist to a case many local residents thought they already understood.
In the months following Shy’s death, social media filled with memorial posts, tributes, and messages of grief.
Now prosecutors allege that key details about the circumstances surrounding her death were concealed from authorities.
🚨 MORE SERIOUS DRUG CHARGES ALSO FILED
In addition to the corpse abuse and obstruction allegations, all three defendants were indicted on charges including corrupting another with drugs and permitting drug abuse.
Those charges suggest prosecutors believe illegal drug activity played a significant role in the events leading up to Shy’s overdose.
⚖️ PRESUMED INNOCENT
The indictments represent allegations presented to the grand jury.
All three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case will now proceed through Scioto County Common Pleas Court.
